The Packing List below details the clothing and equipment that will be needed at camp. The list is only a suggested guide. Substitutions can be made for individual preferences and age appropriateness. Campers do not need more than what’s recommended and storage space is limited. Please do not overbuy!

All items brought to camp must be clearly marked with the camper’s name. We highly recommend the peel-and-stick washable labels from Label Daddy. (And enter AKEELA at checkout to have 25% of your order donated to CampLauncher!)

PACKING LIST:
☐ 1 white or grey Akeela t-shirt (Required, find at Camp Spot)
☐ 12 additional t-shirts
☐ 4 long-sleeved t-shirts
☐ 4 pair pants (sweatpants, jeans, etc.)
☐ 8 pair shorts
☐ 2 sweatshirts (1 hooded)
☐ 2 pair sneakers
☐ 14 pair underwear
☐ 14 pair athletic socks
☐ 2 pair pajamas (e.g. 1 short and 1 long)
☐ 1 comforter or 3 cot-sized wool blankets (VT can be cold at night!)
☐ 4 cot-sized or twin sheets (2 flat & 2 fitted)
☐ 2-3 bath towels
☐ 2 swim/beach towels
☐ 1 shower caddy with soap dish, cup, toothbrush holder & toiletries
☐ Pre-addressed, stamped envelopes with stationery
☐ 1 pillow with 2 cases
☐ 3-4 bathing suits: designed for active water programs (no string ties on girls’ suits)
☐ 1 pair flip flops/sandals/Crocs
☐ 2 hats with brim
☐ 1 fleece jacket or heavyweight jacket
☐ 1 rain jacket or hooded poncho
☐ 1 pair rain boots
☐ 1 sleeping bag (Required for our In-Camp Overnight program!)
☐ 1 flashlight
☐ 2 water bottles or canteens (Required)
☐ 1 bottle insect repellent
☐ 1 pr. hiking shoes (or sturdy sneakers) – please break in before camp
☐ 1 bottle sunscreen
☐ 1 small backpack (an Akeela backpack will be provided to all first-time campers)

OPTIONAL:
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Camera
☐ Music player (without screen content – See our electronics policy)
☐ Baseball glove
☐ Musical instrument
☐ Tennis racquet
☐ Fishing rod
☐ Books
☐ Crazy Creek chair (or similar)

Shipping Bags to Camp

Unpacking our campers is a vital part of how we welcome them to Akeela. Except for our overseas campers, we require that all trunks/duffels arrive at camp at least 3 days prior to the start of your child’s session

ShipCamps – We highly recommend sending your camper’s bags through ShipCamps. They partner with FedEx for great door-to-door service at the lowest rates that we’ve found. They also provide ready-to-use labels, real time online tracking, and excellent camp-specific customer service.

UPS/FedEx/USPS – If you choose not to use ShipCamps, you can send your bags via USPS, UPS or FedEx. You’ll find the best pricing using their “Ground” services. Please make sure to get an estimated date of delivery so that bags arrives at camp at least 3 days before your camp session.

Drop Off Bags At Camp – Families who live close enough are welcome to drive their campers’ belongings to Akeela. Because we unpack and set up cabins ahead of time, camper bags must arrive at least 3 days before the camp session. Please let us know if you plan to drop off your child’s baggage.

Getting Bags Home from Camp

While we are hopeful that bags will be able to go under the buses on the return trip home, space is very limited and we can’t count on it until we know for sure how many campers will be on each bus. As such, please contract return service with Ship Camps. If we think we can get your bags under the bus after all, we’ll let you know in advance and you won’t be charged by ShipCamps. If you are picking your child up at camp at the end of the session, we will have their bags ready to put in your car that morning.

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Family Handbook Table of Contents

1. About Akeela & About CampGroup
2. Camper Travel and Visiting Day
3. Packing List & Baggage Shipping Information
4. Purchasing Camp Clothing, Prohibited Items & Laundry
5. Communication: Mail, Phone Calls & Parent Communication
6. Health Care: Medications, Health Communication, Medical Charges, Other Health Concerns
7. Safety, Health and Wellness
8. Electronics Policy
9. Homesickness Prevention
10. Success at Akeela
11. Camper Code of Conduct
12. Additional Activities and Trips
13. “Open House” Orientation Day
14. Driving Directions